Other D&D Variant Best D&D Clone for open table play with beginners?

[HellfireVanWinkle]

I really need to find a way to recruit more players, which is why I've rencently had this idea of running an open-table campaign set in either Greyhawk or The Wilderlands. I would need a system that emulates D&D while still being welcoming to RPG beginners, also it's better if it's compatbile with Greyhawk or Wilderlands materiel, do you have any suggestions?

 

[wicked cool]

Shadowdark

 

[aco175]

Can I ask why you do not want DnD? There is the starter boxes and free rules for beginners that make things rather easy.

I also just seen a Greyhawk Adventure League similar.

 

[HellfireVanWinkle]

Can I ask why you do not want DnD? There is the starter boxes and free rules for beginners that make things rather easy.

My answer for each and every edition :

OSR editions : I'm nota big fan of playing pure unaltered OSR. I prefer OSR clones that try to modernize things a bit.

3rd Edition : I like it but I think it's too complicated for someone who has never played an RPG before.

4th editon : I don't have the gear required for the tactical battles.

5th edition : I'm not a great fan, I think it's too tedious for both DMs and Players.

 

[jdrakeh]

Basic Fantasy RPG. All of the core rules and supplements are available for FREE in PDF or at cost in print (through Amazon and DriveThruRPG).

 

[SlyFlourish]

I’ve run and played in games at conventions with brand new players and Shadowdark is super easy to get into. It’s like a universal adapter for D&D. Brand new people can pick it up easily and it helps onboard them to full 5e if you go that way and people who know 5e find it really easy to pick up.

 

[Scribe]

Shadowdark.

 

[mixmastashizz]

I recommend Swords and Wizardry Complete Revised

 

[zottel]

I recently found myself in the same position, and I decided on Shadowdark. Worked out really well so far, the 5e players in my group appreciated the streamlined nature, and the newcomers so far took to it bery quickly.
I have mostly used the pregenerated characters so far, provided the quickstartrules, and wrote up a small rules cheatsheet for reference.
In my oprinion, quick character generation is key for an open table, and Shadowdark is both quick and easy in that (and most other) regards.